News Summary
Greenville, South Carolina is facing a severe crisis with forest fires erupting on Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge. The fires have prompted mandatory evacuations, impacting air quality and leaving residents in a precarious situation. As smoke envelops the area, local schools have canceled outdoor events and officials are deploying additional firefighting resources to combat the spread. A state of emergency has been declared due to chaotic evacuation processes, and community leaders are enforcing safety measures to protect residents. Eyewitness accounts reveal the emotional toll on those forced to leave their homes, as the fires continue to rage.
Forest Fires Cause Evacuations in Upstate South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina is currently grappling with a series of terrifying forest fires that have prompted mandatory evacuations across the area. Smoke billowing from the fires on Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge has made its way to Greenville and other parts of the Upstate, ultimately impacting air quality and leaving residents scrambling for safety.
Smoke Indicates Trouble
Residents in Greenville found their afternoon skies blotted out by smoke, with ash even falling in downtown areas. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has issued an air quality alert, advising citizens, particularly those with respiratory health issues, to remain indoors. With the air quality deteriorating, the Greenville County School District has had to cancel outdoor events scheduled for locations like Travelers Rest High School and Northwest Middle School.
Fires Ignite and Spread
The struggle against the fires began on March 21 with the ignition of the Table Rock fire, swiftly followed by the outbreak of the Persimmon Ridge fire on March 22. Currently, the Table Rock fire has expanded to a staggering 2,293 acres while the Persimmon Ridge fire has consumed 996 acres. Together, these wildfires have torched over 3,000 acres of land, with the containment effort frustratingly stagnant at 0%.
State of Emergency Declared
A state of emergency has been officially declared, leading to mandatory evacuations in parts of Greenville and Pickens counties. Eyewitness accounts from affected residents have described the evacuation process as chaotic, with many sharing emotional stories about the homes and belongings they had to leave behind. The flames, visible even from populated areas, have certainly intensified the urgency for evacuations.
Weather Conditions Worsen the Situation
To add to the peril, high winds reaching up to 40 mph are driving the fires and smoke deeper into urban territories. Coupled with humidity levels that have plummeted to a meager 17%, conditions are proving to be less than favorable for containment efforts. Officials have warned that the fires might ultimately grow to 5,000 acres before they find a way to rein them in, prompting the deployment of additional firefighting resources.
Protecting Our Community
In light of the smoky skies, health officials strongly recommend that residents, especially those with breathing issues, keep windows closed and run their air conditioning units with fresh-air intakes shut. The Marietta First Baptist Church has stepped up as a shelter for evacuees, with several families taking refuge within its walls. It’s a heartening scene among an otherwise alarming situation, as the community rallies to support those in need.
Challenges for Firefighters
Firefighters have been met with considerable challenges due to dry timber left behind by previous storms, which only serves to fuel the ongoing fires. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued, detailing numerous specific roads and communities in both Greenville and Pickens counties. This not only affects the immediate residents but also those who are commuting into and out of these areas.
Community Response and Safety Measures
School districts are actively adjusting their transportation plans for students impacted by the evacuations, providing temporary bus pick-up locations to ensure safety. Community leaders have also began enforcing curfews and implementing emergency measures for the protection of affected residents, responding swiftly to the rising needs of their communities during this critical time.
The Cause Behind the Chaos
Interestingly, the fires are reported to have been ignited by negligent actions of four teenage hikers, adding a layer of frustration to an already distressing situation. As the community unites in the face of adversity, the hope is that with combined efforts, the fires will be contained and the safety of residents will be restored.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mandatory Evacuations as Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge Fires Rage
Wildfires Raging in the Carolinas: Evacuations and Emergency Declared
Wildfires Rage in South Carolina: Evacuations and Arrests
Myrtle Beach Faces Wildfire Aftermath and State of Emergency
Carolina Wildfire Crisis: State of Emergency Declared
Wildfires Rage in Carolinas, Prompting Evacuations
Hazy Skies and Evacuations in North and South Carolina
Massive Wildfire in Carolina Forest Forces Evacuations
Evacuation Orders Issued as Wildfire Grows Near Carolina Forest
Southern California Braces for Much-Needed Rain
Additional Resources
- WLOS – Mandatory Evacuations in Greenville and Pickens Counties
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Fox Carolina – Latest Updates on Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge Wildfires
- Google Search: South Carolina wildfires 2025
- Greenville Online – SC Families Forced to Evacuate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Post and Courier – Table Rock Fire Update
- Google News: Table Rock fire Greenville
- WSPA – Evacuations Due to Table Rock Fire
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
